Assistant Staff Attorney

This is a certified attorney's position and is commonly referred to as Assistant General Counsel. Works under the direction of the Staff Attorney (commonly referred to as General Counsel) to assist in carrying out the duties of the Staff Attorney and Legal Services Division, including seeking Risk Protection Orders, responding to Public Records Requests, and litigating Civil Asset Forfeiture

Duties: 
A. Abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics". 
B. Thoroughly know, understand, and comply with Agency procedures, rules and regulations, and Florida State Statutes. 
C. Serve as a staff attorney for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and work under the direction of the Staff Attorney to assist in carrying out the duties of the Staff Attorney and the Legal Services Division in support of the Office of the Sheriff of Marion County. 
D. Represent the Office of the Sheriff (and other law enforcement agencies, if requested) in Risk Protection Order actions (s. 790.401, et. seq.), Civil Asset Forfeiture actions (s. 932.701, et. seq.), and other matters in which the Office of the Sheriff has standing or is otherwise interested in the outcome. The Assistant Staff Attorney will also be responsible for responding to requests for public records (s. 119.01, et. seq.), especially voluminous or complex requests, and advising members of the agency regarding public records law. 
E. Legal research duties will include reviewing case law, statutes, and regulations in a variety of areas, including criminal law, civil liability, corrections, labor laws, fiscal requirements, and reporting regulations. This will be done to ensure the Office of the Sheriff, including its written policies and procedures, remain in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As necessary, the Assistant Staff Attorney will aid in drafting changes to agency policies and procedures and will be responsible for assisting in advising appropriate persons at the agency of necessary changes and ensuring compliance. The Assistant Staff Attorney will aid in training members of the agency. This will include ensuring materials are legally correct and are current as to the law and providing in-person trainings as requested. 
F. Answer questions from deputies and civilian employees regarding legal matters, including active and ongoing events, such as criminal investigations, emergencies, and critical incidents. The Assistant Staff Attorney will also aid law enforcement officers in drafting arrest warrants, search warrants, and electronic intercept orders. 
G. Work with agency members, other law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial agencies, outside counsel, and other entities regarding matters of ongoing concern, including litigation and internal affairs investigations. 
H. Share “on-call” duties with the Staff Attorney and during those times will be expected to be available by phone on a 24-hour basis. 
I. Respond, when requested, to situations, including shootings, civil disorders, hostage situations, natural disasters, and the like. The Assistant Staff Attorney will be required to abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics", and the "Disciplinary Rules and Ethical Considerations" contained in the "Code of Professional Responsibility." 
J. Perform any additional duties that may be required by the Sheriff or through necessity of situations

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 
Applicants must be members of the Florida Bar in good standing.

Because the Assistant Staff Attorney will be expected to appear on behalf of the Office of the Sheriff in court proceedings without supervision, it is highly desirable that the applicant possess courtroom experience and have a working knowledge of the Florida Evidence Code.

Because the Assistant Staff Attorney will be expected to exercise considerable discretion and independent professional judgment, it is highly desirable that the applicant have prior experience making highly responsible decisions.

Applicants will be expected to develop a working knowledge of the criminal and civil laws of Florida, Marion County Ordinances, and the Rules of Civil Procedure, Judicial Administration, and Criminal Procedure. Prior criminal justice experience, including as a prosecutor, law enforcement officer, or criminal defense attorney, is desirable.

Applicants must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office conditions with court attendance and being required to respond to field investigations from time-to-time. Normal office hours, subject to being contacted outside of normal hours when needed and being required to respond to field investigations from time-to-time. Overtime (compensatory time) is required when necessary. This staff attorney position is exempt from Ch. 87-457, Laws of Fla. (1987), Marion County Code, Appendix A, Art. §2, Sec. A2-1, and the Career Services Act. 

ADA: 

Physical and dexterity requirements: Requires light work that involves walking or standing, exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force on a recurring basis; requires the ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time, the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to ten (10) pounds; routine keyboarding operations. 

Environmental hazards: This job risks exposure to office related dust, fumes, and odors. 

Sensory requirements: The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking. 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Sheriff’s Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Salary : $102,055